Category Archives: Uncategorized

I must admit: I have been hesitating to write this second installment to Discount Wars. The first part is here. In my last post on this subject I detailed how the IRS is using a certain provision in the Internal … Continue reading →

This has nothing specific to do with estate planning or financial planning; however, it is worth noting. The author of the 1975 law review article, a semi-parody, The Common Law Origins of the Infield Fly Rule, William Stevens, passed away. … Continue reading →

Because of the economic crisis, Congress has passed what it evidently thinks is temporary retirement plan relief in through H.R. 7327, the “Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008.” This new law allows an account holder not to take … Continue reading →

I must admit that I am a little taken by a new blog I just discovered, Taxgirl. Kelli Erb isn’t new to the blogging world…it’s obvious that she has been around for awhile. Still, I have added her to my … Continue reading →

Stocks are undoubtedly an investment. You go to a market, and place an order. At that point, money leaves your bank account to pay for the stock, and also to pay for the broker’s fee. In return, you get “something.” … Continue reading →

There is a post on the Legal Profession Blog, which shows a fascinating copy of the first draft of FDR’s address to Congress following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, delivered 67 years ago. The document is either stored at … Continue reading →

There are a plethora of options available for those wanting to prepare an estate plan with legal software, or an online legal software system. In fact, there are a number of well known personalities who sell their legal software “products” … Continue reading →

The California Legislature recently enacted a new Pet Trust Statute. Delaware recently enacted a similar law. Here are some highlights of California’s new law, which will be placed in the California Probate Code as section 15212 : • Lawful for … Continue reading →

Last time I addressed the natural reaction most have when considering our estate plans. What I mean, of course, is the natural procrastination. Estate planning reminds us of our mortality — something many of us simply do not wish to … Continue reading →

I have been a lawyer in Southern California for over 20 years, but I have a confession: I didn’t have my own estate plan until very recently. I once heard an attorney tell his client that attorneys are the worst … Continue reading →